Good Evening Beloved Ones!
Happy Take Care Tuesday! Let us take time for prayer, meditation, and worship in this not so ordinary time. Let us begin!
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Breathing Exercises with Thich Nhat Hanh
It's very simple, but very effective. When we bring our attention to our in-breath and our out-breath, we stop thinking of the past; we stop thinking of the future; and we begin to come home to ourselves...Don't think this practice doesn't apply to you. If we don't go home to ourselves, we can't be at our best and serve the world in the best way... Our quality of being is the foundation for the quality of our actions.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of my whole body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of my whole body.*
Breathing mindfully brings us back to our bodies. We have to acknowledge our bodies first because tension and suffering accumulate in the body. Breathing in this way, we create a kind of family reunion between mind and body. The mind becomes an embodied mind.
...We can't do our best if we don't know to release the tension and pain in ourselves.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of the tension in my body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of the tension in my body.*
When we look at the suffering around us, at poverty, violence, or climate change, we may want to solve these things immediately. We want to do something. But to do something effectively and ethically, we need to be our best selves in order to be able to handle the suffering...
*Breathing in, I am aware of a painful feeling arising.
Breathing out, I release the painful feeling.*
This is a nonviolent and gentle way to help our bodies release tension and pain. It is possible to practice mindful breathing in order to produce a feeling of joy, a feeling of happiness. When we are well-nourished and know how to create joy, then we are strong enough to handle the deep pain within ourselves and the world.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh, Good Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Breathing Exercises with Thich Nhat Hanh
“*Breathing in, I know this is my in-breath.
Breathing out, I know this is my out-breath.*
Breathing out, I know this is my out-breath.*
It's very simple, but very effective. When we bring our attention to our in-breath and our out-breath, we stop thinking of the past; we stop thinking of the future; and we begin to come home to ourselves...Don't think this practice doesn't apply to you. If we don't go home to ourselves, we can't be at our best and serve the world in the best way... Our quality of being is the foundation for the quality of our actions.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of my whole body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of my whole body.*
Breathing mindfully brings us back to our bodies. We have to acknowledge our bodies first because tension and suffering accumulate in the body. Breathing in this way, we create a kind of family reunion between mind and body. The mind becomes an embodied mind.
...We can't do our best if we don't know to release the tension and pain in ourselves.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of the tension in my body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of the tension in my body.*
When we look at the suffering around us, at poverty, violence, or climate change, we may want to solve these things immediately. We want to do something. But to do something effectively and ethically, we need to be our best selves in order to be able to handle the suffering...
*Breathing in, I am aware of a painful feeling arising.
Breathing out, I release the painful feeling.*
This is a nonviolent and gentle way to help our bodies release tension and pain. It is possible to practice mindful breathing in order to produce a feeling of joy, a feeling of happiness. When we are well-nourished and know how to create joy, then we are strong enough to handle the deep pain within ourselves and the world.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh, Good Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society
One quote to ponder and meditate upon
"Empower me to be a bold participant, rather than a timid saint in waiting, in the difficult ordinariness of now; to exercise the authority of honesty, rather than to defer to power, or deceive to get it; to influence someone for justice, rather than impress anyone for gain and, by grace, to find treasures of joy, of friendship, of peace hidden in the fields of the daily you give me to plow." ~ Ted Loder
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Come let us worship.
Joseph Barth: A Grace
We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for thse who abuse you. Do good and lend, expecting nothing in return; for God is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.
Be merciful as your father is merciful. Judge not and you will not be judged. Condemn not and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and it will be given to you; for the measure you give will be the measure you receive. From Luke 6:27-38
The disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke of the great things God had done. Acts 2:4, 11
God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. Romans 5:5
The wind blows where it wills and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from or where it is going; so it is with everyone born of the Spirit. John 3:8
We are children of God, so God has sent the Spirit into our hearts. Galatians 4:6
We are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
Jesus said, ‘The bread of life is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world.’ John 6:33
Through faith we are all children of God in union with Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in Jesus the Son. Anyone who has the Son has life. 1 John 5:12
We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
"Eternal God,
lead me now
out of the familiar setting
of my doubts and fears,
beyond my pride
and my need to be secure
into a strange and graceful ease
with my true proportions
and with yours;
that in boundless silence
I may grow
strong enough to endure
and flexible enough to share
your grace." ~ Ted Loder
“Lord, so many things skitter through my mind, and I give chase to gather them and hold them up in a bunch to you, but they go this way and that while I go that way and this ... So, gather me up instead
and bless what eludes my grasp but not yours: trees and bees, fireflies and butterflies, roses and barbecues, and people ... Lord, the people ... bless the people: birthday people, giving birth people, being born people; conformed people,
dying people, dead people; hostaged people, banged up people, held down people; leader people, lonely people, limping people; hungry people,
surfeited”
― Ted Loder, Guerrillas Of Grace: Prayers For The Battle
Starhawk: Invocation
Nameless One—of many names
Eternal—and ever-changing One
Who is found nowhere—but appears everywhere
Beyond—and within all.
Timeless—circles of the seasons,
Unknowable mystery—known by all.
Lord of the Dance—Mother of all life:
Be radiant with us,—
Engulf us with Your love,
See with our eyes,
Hear with our ears ,
Breathe with our nostrils,
Touch with our hands,
Kiss with our lips,
Open our hearts!
That we may live free at last
Joyful in the single song
Of all that is, was, or ever shall be!
Light of the World Phos hilaron
Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES - Anonymous
Lest I forget the great traditions of freedom and faith which are the heritage of humanity; lest I forget the pioneers, the statesmen, the bridge builders, the artists; and lest I forget You, the God of our forebears who is our God also: I light this candle of remembrance.
For the hope of a better world, in which righteousness and peace shall prevail among the people of the earth, and to create which is the task of the generations in which we stand, as well as for the courage and faith we shall need if we are to carry on this unfinished work: I light this candle of consecration.
May each flame upon the altar of freedom’s faith shine in our hearts always, reminding us of the fearful places to which we may carry light and strengthening us in moments of doubt and discouragement with unwavering faith in You whom we serve and whose we are.
A Smudging Prayer
Creator, our Father in heaven, we come to you as your children. We confess that we are weak and broken images of you. We pray for the forgiveness and healing you give in Jesus Christ. May his Spirit clean our spirits, minds, hearts, and bodies. We pray that your Holy Spirit will help us to worship in spirit and truth. We pray in the name of Jesus, so that his Spirit will carry our prayers to you. Amen.
Tú eres mi otro yo.
You are my other me.
Si te hago daño a ti,
If I do harm to you,
Me hago daño a mi mismo.
I do harm to myself.
Si te amo y respeto,
If I love and respect you,
Me amo y respeto yo.
I love and respect myself.
Luis Valdez
Psalm 134 Ecce nunc
1 Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, *
you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord; *
the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
Diversity is what makes unity possible, especially with love in our hearts! #RespectTheDignityOfEveryHumanBeing!
Let us spend a moment and reflect on this before we begin our time together in prayer and reflection.
Let us begin!
Let us Sow Seeds of:
C= Compassion
A= Acceptance
L= Love
M = Mercy
Let us speak in words that are:
C= Comforting
A= Appreciative
L= Living and Loving
M= Mindful and Matter
Let our deeds be:
C= Caring and Compassionate
A= Admirable
L= Life giving
M= Mannerly
Let us choose to live a life of Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy. Let choose to speak in words that are courageous, amiable, enLightening, Mannered, and Make sense and don't harm or divide. Let our deeds be all these things.
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From The Resistance Prays
“What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep—for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord. Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: “Instead of caring for my flock and leading them to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them...” - Jeremiah 23: 1-2
God, we lament our feckless and faithless leaders, who have ignored their responsibilities and abandoned their people. We ask your mercy on all who are suffering. We ask for stamina and perseverance as we work toward the November elections. Amen.
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The Agony of God
I listen to Your agony, O God;
I who am fed,
Who never yet went hungry for a day.
I see the dead,
The children starved for lack of bread;
I see and try to pray.
I listen to Your agony, O God;
I who am warm,
Who never yet have lacked a sheltered home.
In dull alarm,
The dispossessed of hut and farm
Aimless and transient roam.
I listen to Your agony, O God;
I who am strong,
With health and love and laughter in my soul.
I see a throng
Of stunted children reared in wrong
And yearn to make them whole.
I listen to Your agony, O God;
But know full well
That not until I share their bitter cry,
Earth’s pain and hell,
Can You within my spirit dwell
To bring Your kingdom nigh.
-Georgia Harkness
THE GRACE TO LISTEN - Anonymous
O God, as I grow in experience, I pray I may keep from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to try to straighten out everyone’s affairs. Give me the grace to listen to the tales of others’ pains, but seal my lips to my own increasing aches and pains since my love of rehearsing them grows stronger as the years go by. Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to become a sour old person. May I be thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. With my growing store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all—but You know, O God, that I don’t want to lose all my friends!
Psalm 102:16-22
Domine, exaudi
16 For the Lord will build up Zion, *
and his glory will appear.
17 He will look with favor on the prayer of the homeless; *
he will not despise their plea.
18 Let this be written for a future generation, *
so that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord.
19 For the Lord looked down from his holy place on high; *
from the heavens he beheld the earth;
20 That he might hear the groan of the captive *
and set free those condemned to die;
21 That they may declare in Zion the Name of the Lord, *
and his praise in Jerusalem;
22 When the peoples are gathered together, *
and the kingdoms also, to serve the Lord.
Acts 3:1-11
Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar
3One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. 2And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. 3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ 5And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, ‘I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,* stand up and walk.’ 7And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico
11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s Portico, utterly astonished.
78
Part I Attendite, popule
1 Hear my teaching, O my people; *
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable; *
I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
3 That which we have heard and known,
and what our forefathers have told us, *
we will not hide from their children.
4 We will recount to generations to come
the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, *
and the wonderful works he has done.
5 He gave his decrees to Jacob
and established a law for Israel, *
which he commanded them to teach their children;
6 That the generations to come might know,
and the children yet unborn; *
that they in their turn might tell it to their children;
7 So that they might put their trust in God, *
and not forget the deeds of God,
but keep his commandments;
8 And not be like their forefathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation, *
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
and whose spirit was not faithful to God.
9 The people of Ephraim, armed with the bow, *
turned back in the day of battle;
10 They did not keep the covenant of God, *
and refused to walk in his law;
11 They forgot what he had done, *
and the wonders he had shown them.
12 He worked marvels in the sight of their forefathers, *
in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
13 He split open the sea and let them pass through; *
he made the waters stand up like walls.
14 He led them with a cloud by day, *
and all the night through with a glow of fire.
15 He split the hard rocks in the wilderness *
and gave them drink as from the great deep.
16 He brought streams out of the cliff, *
and the waters gushed out like rivers.
17 But they went on sinning against him, *
rebelling in the desert against the Most High.
18 They tested God in their hearts, *
demanding food for their craving.
19 They railed against God and said, *
"Can God set a table in the wilderness?
20 True, he struck the rock, the waters gushed out, and the
gullies overflowed; *
but is he able to give bread
or to provide meat for his people?"
21 When the Lord heard this, he was full of wrath; *
a fire was kindled against Jacob,
and his anger mounted against Israel;
22 For they had no faith in God, *
nor did they put their trust in his saving power.
23 So he commanded the clouds above *
and opened the doors of heaven.
24 He rained down manna upon them to eat *
and gave them grain from heaven.
25 So mortals ate the bread of angels; *
he provided for them food enough.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens *
and led out the south wind by his might.
27 He rained down flesh upon them like dust *
and wingèd birds like the sand of the sea.
28 He let it fall in the midst of their camp *
and round about their dwellings.
29 So they ate and were well filled, *
for he gave them what they craved.
30 But they did not stop their craving, *
though the food was still in their mouths.
31 So God's anger mounted against them; *
he slew their strongest men
and laid low the youth of Israel.
32 In spite of all this, they went on sinning *
and had no faith in his wonderful works.
33 So he brought their days to an end like a breath *
and their years in sudden terror.
34 Whenever he slew them, they would seek him, *
and repent, and diligently search for God.
35 They would remember that God was their rock, *
and the Most High God their redeemer.
36 But they flattered him with their mouths *
and lied to him with their tongues.
37 Their heart was not steadfast toward him, *
and they were not faithful to his covenant.
38 But he was so merciful that he forgave their sins
and did not destroy them; *
many times he held back his anger
and did not permit his wrath to be roused.
39 For he remembered that they were but flesh, *
a breath that goes forth and does not return.
The Song of Mary Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in you, O God my Savior, *
for you have looked with favor on your lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
you, the Almighty, have done great things for me,
and holy is your name.
You have mercy on those who fear you *
from generation to generation.
You have shown strength with your arm *
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones *
and lifting up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things *
and sent the rich away empty.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel, *
for you have remembered your promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
John 1:19-28
19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ 20He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’* 21And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ 22Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ 23He said,
‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
“Make straight the way of the Lord” ’,
as the prophet Isaiah said.
24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah,* nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ 26John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
A Song of the Wilderness
Isaiah 35:1-7,10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, *
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
It shall blossom abundantly, *
and rejoice with joy and singing.
They shall see the glory of the Lord, *
the majesty of our God.
Strengthen the weary hands, *
and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to the anxious, “Be strong, do not fear! *
Here is your God, coming with judgment to save you.”
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, *
and the ears of the deaf be unstopped.
Then shall the lame leap like a deer, *
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness *
and streams in the desert;
The burning sand shall become a pool *
and the thirsty ground, springs of water.
The ransomed of God shall return with singing, *
with everlasting joy upon their heads.
Joy and gladness shall be theirs, *
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Matthew 14:22-36
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land,* for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’
28 Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind,* he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret
34 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, 36and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Psalm 78: Part II Quoties exacerbaverunt
40 How often the people disobeyed him in the wilderness *
and offended him in the desert!
41 Again and again they tempted God *
and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
42 They did not remember his power *
in the day when he ransomed them from the enemy;
43 How he wrought his signs in Egypt *
and his omens in the field of Zoan.
44 He turned their rivers into blood, *
so that they could not drink of their streams.
45 He sent swarms of flies among them, which ate them up, *
and frogs, which destroyed them.
46 He gave their crops to the caterpillar, *
the fruit of their toil to the locust.
47 He killed their vines with hail *
and their sycamores with frost.
48 He delivered their cattle to hailstones *
and their livestock to hot thunderbolts.
49 He poured out upon them his blazing anger: *
fury, indignation, and distress,
a troop of destroying angels.
50 He gave full rein to his anger;
he did not spare their souls from death; *
but delivered their lives to the plague.
51 He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, *
the flower of manhood in the dwellings of Ham.
52 He led out his people like sheep *
and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
53 He led them to safety, and they were not afraid; *
but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
54 He brought them to his holy land, *
the mountain his right hand had won.
55 He drove out the Canaanites before them
and apportioned an inheritance to them by lot; *
he made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
56 But they tested the Most High God, and defied him, *
and did not keep his commandments.
57 They turned away and were disloyal like their fathers; *
they were undependable like a warped bow.
58 They grieved him with their hill-altars *
and provoked his displeasure with their idols.
59 When God heard this, he was angry *
and utterly rejected Israel.
60 He forsook the shrine at Shiloh, *
the tabernacle where he had lived among his people.
61 He delivered the ark into captivity, *
his glory into the adversary's hand.
62 He gave his people to the sword *
and was angered against his inheritance.
63 The fire consumed their young men; *
there were no wedding songs for their maidens.
64 Their priests fell by the sword, *
and their widows made no lamentation.
65 Then the Lord woke as though from sleep, *
like a warrior refreshed with wine.
66 He struck his enemies on the backside *
and put them to perpetual shame.
67 He rejected the tent of Joseph *
and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;
68 He chose instead the tribe of Judah *
and Mount Zion, which he loved.
69 He built his sanctuary like the heights of heaven, *
like the earth which he founded for ever.
70 He chose David his servant, *
and took him away from the sheepfolds.
71 He brought him from following the ewes, *
to be a shepherd over Jacob his people
and over Israel his inheritance.
72 So he shepherded them with a faithful and true heart *
and guided them with the skillfulness of his hands.
A Song of the Spirit
Revelation 22:12-17
“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord,
“and bringing my reward with me, *
to give to everyone according to their deeds.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, *
the beginning and the end.”
Blessed are those who do God’s commandments,
that they may have the right to the tree of life, *
and may enter the city through the gates.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, *
with this testimony for all the churches.
“I am the root and the offspring of David, *
I am the bright morning star.”
“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; *
“Come!” let each hearer reply!
Come forward, you who are thirsty, *
let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.
The Lord’s Prayer or the alternative is said.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen. (ANZPB)
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen. (ANZPB)
God of power,
may the boldness of your Spirit transform us,
may the gentleness of your Spirit lead us,
may the gifts of your Spirit
be our goal and our strength
now and always. (ANZPB)
you make our bread Christ’s body
to heal and reconcile
and to make us the body of Christ.
You make our wine Christ’s living sacrificial blood
to redeem the world.
You are truth.
You come like the wind of heaven, unseen, unbidden.
Like the dawn
you illuminate the world around us;
you grant us a new beginning every day.
You warm and comfort us.
You give us courage and fire
and strength beyond our everyday resources.
Be with us Holy Spirit in all we say or think,
in all we do this and every day. (ANZPB)
Vigil I
God we Light our candles virtually and form a circle of unity and light to form a family truly who are compassionate, accepting, loving, and merciful.
God we pray this night that we may seek to love you, our family members, enemies, neighbors, and ourselves anyway even when we do not feel like it.
God we pray that we may draw together in a circle of love even when we haven't had the energy to do so. Give us the courage to do it anyway.
God we pray that we may build bridges and tear down walls and meet each other half-way and walk together as a beginning. Let us seek to walk together wherever we are on the bridge and path as long as we do it together anyway.
God we pray that we may kind to one another regardless how we feel. Gently tap us on the shoulder to do it anyway.
God we pray that we may learn what it means to be truly family members and serve and care for the least of these and do it anyway.
God we pray this night that we may be encircled with a prayer quilt of love and that we may shine our lighted candles towards each other's faces and see your love in their eyes.
God let us pray for all of our family members through out the world and draw them into this holy circle where they will feel loved, accepted, have universal human rights, dignity and be freed from terror, bigotry, abuse, and hatred. May we help our family members who are afraid to join the circle of CALM by taking their hands gently and with a comforting embrace with encouragement be drawn in and not be made to feel invisible.
God encircle our hearts, hands, spirits, lives, and each other as we shine your light to all in this fragile and broken world. Amen.
God we pray this night that we may seek to love you, our family members, enemies, neighbors, and ourselves anyway even when we do not feel like it.
God we pray that we may draw together in a circle of love even when we haven't had the energy to do so. Give us the courage to do it anyway.
God we pray that we may build bridges and tear down walls and meet each other half-way and walk together as a beginning. Let us seek to walk together wherever we are on the bridge and path as long as we do it together anyway.
God we pray that we may kind to one another regardless how we feel. Gently tap us on the shoulder to do it anyway.
God we pray that we may learn what it means to be truly family members and serve and care for the least of these and do it anyway.
God we pray this night that we may be encircled with a prayer quilt of love and that we may shine our lighted candles towards each other's faces and see your love in their eyes.
God let us pray for all of our family members through out the world and draw them into this holy circle where they will feel loved, accepted, have universal human rights, dignity and be freed from terror, bigotry, abuse, and hatred. May we help our family members who are afraid to join the circle of CALM by taking their hands gently and with a comforting embrace with encouragement be drawn in and not be made to feel invisible.
God encircle our hearts, hands, spirits, lives, and each other as we shine your light to all in this fragile and broken world. Amen.
Vigil II
Let us vigil tonight in support of those who have the courage to speak truth to power and engage in non-violent protests.
God we pray for our brothers and sisters who have the courage to protest against the many troubling issues in this fragile and broken world.
We light one candle and ask for the courage to speak truth to power and follow the example of our brother Jesus who cleansed the Temple from the greedy money changers.
God, we pray for our brothers and sisters who had the courage to sit down and stay seated in response to the need for gun violence after many of the shootings in our country.
We light one candle,pray, and sit down in solidarity of those who felt the need to not be moved regardless of the consequences.
God we pray for all who work to secure liberty and to affect change by doing petition drives and letter writing.
We light one candle and pray that we may have the courage to petition and write letters continually to affect change.
God we pray for all those who seek to do non-violent protest at military bases even when it is risky.
We light one candle and pray for all who take risks in protesting where it is not allowed or encouraged.
God we pray for those who work tirelessly for equality, justice, and for universal human rights.
We light one candle and pray that we may all may be one and that Justice may roll down and that we may ever seek to be CALM (Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful)
God we pray for all protesters and change makers remembering especially these courageous ones tonight we add and speak the names of _____:
Jesus.
The early followers of Jesus who spread the God News and Good News to a broken world.
Heather Heyer
Our country's early fighters for liberty.
The civil rights martyrs
The marchers in Selma
The Martyrs of Japan, New Guinea, and all who spoke out and risked their faith.
The underground railroad
The Abolitionists
Chief Seattle
Martin Luther King Jr.
Stephen Biko
Martin Luther
Galileo
Those who fought at Wounded Knee
The Saint Patrick's Battalion
Vida Dutton Scudder
St. Francis of Asissi
Bernard Mizeki
Elie Wiesel and Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Moses
Susan B. Anthony
Rosa Parks
The early suffragettes
Terry Waite, Canon Andrew White
Black Elk
Festo Kivengere
Nelson Mandela
Malala
Anne Frank
Raoul Wallenberg
Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, John Newton, Alex Haley, ROOTS
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Oskar Schindler
The Albanian Muslims who Saved the Jews in World War II
Johnathan Myrick Daniels
Florence Li Tim Oi
The Dalai Lama
Sacheen Littlefeather
Harvey Milk
Mahatma Gandhi
Oscar Romero
Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin
The Trail of Tears
The Righteous Gentiles
Madame C.J. Walker
Margaret Sanger
Gabby Giffords
The Orlando 49
Stonewall Martyrs
Ryan White, Arthur Ashe
Matthew Shepherd
Malcolm X, Mohammed Ali, Salam Al Maryati,
Cesar Chavez
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Katherine Lee Bates, Marie Curie, The Philadelphia 11, Barbara Harris, Katharine Jefferts Schori
Seneca Falls Convention
The civil rights martyrs
The marchers in Selma
The Martyrs of Japan, New Guinea, and all who spoke out and risked their faith.
The underground railroad
The Abolitionists
Chief Seattle
Martin Luther King Jr.
Stephen Biko
Martin Luther
Galileo
Those who fought at Wounded Knee
The Saint Patrick's Battalion
Vida Dutton Scudder
St. Francis of Asissi
Bernard Mizeki
Elie Wiesel and Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Moses
Susan B. Anthony
Rosa Parks
The early suffragettes
Terry Waite, Canon Andrew White
Black Elk
Festo Kivengere
Nelson Mandela
Malala
Anne Frank
Raoul Wallenberg
Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, John Newton, Alex Haley, ROOTS
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Oskar Schindler
The Albanian Muslims who Saved the Jews in World War II
Johnathan Myrick Daniels
Florence Li Tim Oi
The Dalai Lama
Sacheen Littlefeather
Harvey Milk
Mahatma Gandhi
Oscar Romero
Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin
The Trail of Tears
The Righteous Gentiles
Madame C.J. Walker
Margaret Sanger
Gabby Giffords
The Orlando 49
Stonewall Martyrs
Ryan White, Arthur Ashe
Matthew Shepherd
Malcolm X, Mohammed Ali, Salam Al Maryati,
Cesar Chavez
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Katherine Lee Bates, Marie Curie, The Philadelphia 11, Barbara Harris, Katharine Jefferts Schori
Seneca Falls Convention
The Rev. Dr. James H. Cone
Louis Crew
Susan Russell
Mary Glasspool
Christine Jorgenson, Billy Tipton, Renee Richards
Sally Ride, Billy Jean King, Sheila Kuehl, Martina Navratilova
Your heroes of social justice.
Triangle Shirt Factory Fire.
Dorothy Day
Jane Addams
Christine Jorgenson, Billy Tipton, Renee Richards
Sally Ride, Billy Jean King, Sheila Kuehl, Martina Navratilova
Your heroes of social justice.
Triangle Shirt Factory Fire.
Dorothy Day
Jane Addams
Bishop Gene Robinson
The Victims of Lynching and Hate Crimes
Let us sing this song:
As we light our candles tonight!
We Are Marching in the Light of God
Tonight we will reflect on what is happening in our lives, the nation, and the world and asking ourselves how we can with God's and Jesus' help to help heal and bring peace to a broken world and for the reconciliation of the Family of God in love. Put on your favorite music or set the timer for 10 minutes and begin reflecting, resting, and center yourself in prayer.
Musical Selections:
I want Jesus to Walk With Me
Precious Lord Take My Hand
Let us be at prayer
Jesus help us to go over to the other side and rest and pray with you.
We ask you Lord Jesus to come and tenderize our hearts and enliven our spirits to be the loving brothers and sisters to you and follow where you lead us.
Jesus show us the pathway to peace in our world. Help us to lay down our anger, suspicion, fears, and resentment of our family members whom we don't know very well.
Jesus we ask you to heal the many people on our prayer list who are ill and have been newly diagnosed with cancer or any other disease. We remember them in our hearts and by name__________________
Jesus we pray for peace in the Middle East and all the holy places where you preached, healed, walked, and made a difference in people's lives with your loving and accepting touch.
Jesus may we continually be at prayer for all of the 51 million + refugees who do not have a place to call home. Help us always to remember that you , Joseph, and Mary were refugees and went into the land of Egypt until the death of Herod.
Jesus we pray for all of your servants who are preparing for worship on Sunday. May they find the words to amplify and enlighten the words of Your Gospel Message.
Jesus we give thanks to you this day for_____________________
Jesus may we remember this day__________________________
Jesus may we celebrate with you this day these events in our lives and the lives of others especially____________
Jesus we give thanks to you this day for_________________________
Jesus we ask for forgiveness of our sins and help us lovingly forgive those who have harmed us and let go of the past and move forward.
Jesus give us loving and accepting hearts for all those who differ from us and may we see each person in God's world as reflection of You. May we always remember this 'The light of Christ in me recognizes the Light of Christ in you!' May we all be the light of the world and especially to this broken and violent world in which we live. May we sow seeds of peace and love wherever we go and live by your example.
Jesus may we with you comfort those who mourn the loss of loved ones and wrap our arms around them with prayer, love, compassion, and comfort.
Jesus we pray for all those who have died and are dying today remembering especially_____________may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Jesus we pray for the least of these may we never look down on them but see you reflected in them. May we come to their aide and serve them.
Jesus may we never find ourselves too busy to help those in any need or want. May we and our faith families provide sanctuary for the least of these and never deprive any one of food, clothing, or shelter.
Jesus we lift up these our prayers to you in Your most Holy Name. Amen.
Let us sing this song:
As we light our candles tonight!
We Are Marching in the Light of God
Tonight we will reflect on what is happening in our lives, the nation, and the world and asking ourselves how we can with God's and Jesus' help to help heal and bring peace to a broken world and for the reconciliation of the Family of God in love. Put on your favorite music or set the timer for 10 minutes and begin reflecting, resting, and center yourself in prayer.
Musical Selections:
Precious Lord Take My Hand
Let us be at prayer
Jesus help us to go over to the other side and rest and pray with you.
We ask you Lord Jesus to come and tenderize our hearts and enliven our spirits to be the loving brothers and sisters to you and follow where you lead us.
Jesus show us the pathway to peace in our world. Help us to lay down our anger, suspicion, fears, and resentment of our family members whom we don't know very well.
Jesus we ask you to heal the many people on our prayer list who are ill and have been newly diagnosed with cancer or any other disease. We remember them in our hearts and by name__________________
Jesus we pray for peace in the Middle East and all the holy places where you preached, healed, walked, and made a difference in people's lives with your loving and accepting touch.
Jesus may we continually be at prayer for all of the 51 million + refugees who do not have a place to call home. Help us always to remember that you , Joseph, and Mary were refugees and went into the land of Egypt until the death of Herod.
Jesus we pray for all of your servants who are preparing for worship on Sunday. May they find the words to amplify and enlighten the words of Your Gospel Message.
Jesus we give thanks to you this day for_____________________
Jesus may we remember this day__________________________
Jesus may we celebrate with you this day these events in our lives and the lives of others especially____________
Jesus we give thanks to you this day for_________________________
Jesus we ask for forgiveness of our sins and help us lovingly forgive those who have harmed us and let go of the past and move forward.
Jesus may we with you comfort those who mourn the loss of loved ones and wrap our arms around them with prayer, love, compassion, and comfort.
Jesus we pray for all those who have died and are dying today remembering especially_____________may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Jesus we pray for the least of these may we never look down on them but see you reflected in them. May we come to their aide and serve them.
Jesus may we never find ourselves too busy to help those in any need or want. May we and our faith families provide sanctuary for the least of these and never deprive any one of food, clothing, or shelter.
Jesus we lift up these our prayers to you in Your most Holy Name. Amen.
Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
Christ Has No Body
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
Christ Has No Body
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
The Song of Simeon Nunc dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to
generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.
Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
God’s Blessing be with you,
Christ’s peace be with you,
the Spirit’s outpouring be with you,
now and always. Amen.
(source: Celtic)
What you hold may you always hold.
What you do, may you always do and never abandon.
But with swift pace, light step and unswerving feet,
so that even your steps stir up no dust,
Go forward, the spirit of our God has called you.(St. Clare)
What you do, may you always do and never abandon.
But with swift pace, light step and unswerving feet,
so that even your steps stir up no dust,
Go forward, the spirit of our God has called you.(St. Clare)
Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always
protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow
the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.
(source: from Saint Clare)
protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow
the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.
(source: from Saint Clare)
who loved us first and gave this world to be our home,
to God the Redeemer,
who loves us and by dying and rising
pioneered the way of freedom,
to God the Sanctifier,
who spreads the divine love in our hearts,
be praise and glory for time and for eternity. (ANZPB)
may God the Servant bear y/our burdens with you/us;
may God the Paraclete grant you/us life in one another:
so may the blessing of God,
Abba, Servant, Paraclete,
be with you/us always.
Amen. (ANZPB)
Good Night Dear Family! I love you and give thanks to God for you this day and always. May we remember these words from one of my favorite hymns:
Take my life and let it be -Francis R. Havergal - The verses in bold let us change the pronouns to our and see how wonderful this makes us a community.
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
*Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
With love and blessings,
Sara
Resources:
Book of Common Prayer
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Metis Aboriginal Ministries -Smudging Prayer
Luis Valdez- In Lak 'Ech
Enriching our Worship
New Zealand Prayer Book
A to Z Quotes: Wendell Berry
Lectionary Page
YouTube for musical Selections
Satucket Lectionary Page
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